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Anticipation and preparation for the Democratic National Convention

Photo essay by McLaren Reed
Monday, August 19, 2024
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The United Center looks calm now, but it will be buzzing at the start of the Convention. 
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Beyond the perimeter, residents and attendees are circumnavigating around the fenced blocks of Chicago.
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Staff and attendees run through a bite size piece of what their days will look like this week. 
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Delegates arrive on foot and in shuttles, each with measures intended to maintain a secure perimeter. 
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Bikes, golf carts and mules zip by, responding to the needs of the convention, delivering equipment, people and police officers to and around the United Center. 
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Few representatives are present, just enough to test the microphone system for each state. 
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Mic tests are done as a mock roll call, like the one they will do on Monday to celebrate Kamala Harris' Nomination. 
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Stand-ups are being done for major news networks, they too, calculating what is in store for the DNC. 
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The attendees are looking forward to their week in Chicago. While they wait for their state or territory, they catch up with friends and colleagues in states nearby. 
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A DJ pairs music alongside the 'mock' Roll Call accompanying each state with a different pop song. 
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